Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries if you and your child take a few simple steps.

TIPP SHEETS: Injuries are the leading cause of death in children younger than 4 years in the United States, and most of these injuries can be prevented. Firearms in the home, poisons, falls, burns, drowning, and poor safety practices while driving with your child in a car all pose serious threats. These issues should be approached with increased caution.

The road to a bright smile begins long before the first tooth appears. Parents play a big part in helping their children develop healthy teeth. Early monitoring by your child's doctor and dentist is important. (See "What is a pediatric dentist?")

TIPP SHEETS: This guide describes The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) handout collection, including a safety counseling schedule, instructions for optimizing use of TIPP sheets, instructions for the Framingham Safety Surveys, counseling guidelines, and other resources for safety and prevention.

Giving medicine in the right way can help your child feel better and get well. However, medicine information and labels can be confusing. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about prescription and over-the-counter medicines, how to give medicine in the right way, and how to prevent medicine mistakes.

Drowning is one of the top causes of injury and death in children. Children can drown in pools, rivers, ponds, lakes, or oceans. They can even drown in a few inches of water in bathtubs, toilets, and large buckets.

Any time a child requires a hospital visit, it can cause anxiety for both a parent and the child. This especially may be the case when the visit involves any type of procedure that might require anesthesia. Examples of such procedures are surgery, medical imaging, and certain tests to examine the stomach or intestines. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about anesthesia.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Parents and teachers should make sure that all art supplies are non-toxic and safe for children. Dangers include lead-based paints and toxic fumes. Children should always be supervised while doing arts and crafts projects.

Medications are not the primary treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Medications have not been shown to directly improve language or social skills. However, medications may help with behaviors that get in the way of progress in your child's intervention program. Such behaviors include

ASDs Family Handout—The Medical Home for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Parents, pediatricians, and other health care professionals are encouraged to work together so that all of the medical and nonmedical needs of children and youth are met. This partnership is at the core of what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls the medical home. Medical home is an approach primary care practices can use to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. This approach helps coordinate the medical care and other services your child needs into an integrated overall plan for your child's health. Because of the effectiveness of this approach and the benefits that patients receive under this care model, the AAP and other medical organizations have endorsed the medical home as an important part of caring for individuals with lifelong conditions. It is important for families and clinicians to feel like they have a constructive partnership for the care of the child.

This is the tendency for an individual to try to leave the safety of a responsible person's care or a safe area, which can result in potential harm or injury. This might include running off from adults at school or in the community, leaving the classroom without permission, or leaving the house when the family is not looking. This behavior is considered common and short-lived in toddlers, but it may persist in children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Children with ASDs have challenges with social and communication skills and safety awareness. This makes wandering a potentially dangerous behavior.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: There are a number of ways your child's school can be more asthma-friendly. Be sure to find out if your child's school maintains good indoor air quality, reduces indoor air irritants, and that a school nurse is on duty. Have your child carry their asthma medication with them during the day and have them receive an annual flu shot so classmates do not worsen their condition.

Parents should: Meet the siiter and check references and training in advance. | Be certain the sitter has had first aid training and knows CPR. | Be sure the sitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.

Learning to ride a bike is a developmental milestone in the life of a child. The bicycle, a child's first vehicle, is a source of pride and a symbol of independence and freedom. Yet all too often children are seriously injured, or even killed, when they fail to follow basic bicycle safety rules. The following is a list of common bicycle safety myths, coupled with the correct information you need to teach your children about safe bike riding. These facts will help you and your children make every bike ride safe.

Biking is a fun way for children of all ages to
get active and stay fit. Most children learn to ride a tricycle at around 3
years of age. Between 4 and 7 years of age most children learn to ride a bike.
However, remember that each child is different and will learn to ride a bike at
his or her own pace.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Mosquitoes, biting bugs, and ticks can make children miserable and can also carry diseases. Make sure to use bug repellent in the summer months, but be sure to use it properly and read all labels prior to use.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: If you discover your child is being bullied, teach your child to remain calm and to have the courage to walk away from a fight. Talk to a teacher about the bully, and encourage your child to develop strong friendships. Children with loyal friends are less likely to be bullied.

CONNECTED KIDS: Bullying is when one child picks on another child again and again. Usually children who are being bullied are either weaker or smaller, are shy, and generally feel helpless. Bullying most commonly takes place at school, when adults are not watching, or through email or instant messages. Whether your child is the one being bullied, doing the bullying, or simply a bystander, there are a number of measures you can take as a parent to improve their social skills and decrease their involvement in this detrimental practice.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Fire is fascinating to young children, but with this fascination comes a high risk of burn injuries. Be sure to monitor your child closely when they are near fire, and if they are burned treat them immediately.

Using a car safety seat correctly makes a big difference. Even the right seat for your child's size may not properly protect your child in a crash unless it is used correctly. So take a minute to check to be sure.

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: When driving children in a carpool you are responsible for the safety of everyone in the car. Be sure to follow safety procedures very strictly and obtain contact information for the parents of all other children in the carpool in case of emergency.

Sexual abuse of children is more common than most people think. About 1 out of 5 girls and 1 out of 10 boys will be sexually abused during their childhood. Parents can take steps to help prevent and recognize sexual abuse in children.

Children are naturally curious and love to explore. Young children especially like to explore by putting things in their mouths. Before or as soon as children begin crawling or walking, parents and caregivers need to take extra steps to make sure harmful items are out of reach, out of sight, and locked up if possible.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Finding childcare for you child involves making a lot of decisions, but be sure to look out for basic safety concerns. Before deciding on a method of childcare, be sure to access the environment in which you will be leaving your child for increased safety risks, such as easy access to stairwells or window sills.

A bicycle of the wrong size may cause your child to lose control and be injured. Any bike must be the correct size for the child for whom it is bought. To keep your child safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: A cyberbully is a child that uses the internet to broadcast hateful comments about another child. Monitor your child's internet use to prevent them from being bullied or from doing the bullying. There are no federal laws against cyberbullying, but your state may have such laws.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Power windows can be extremely dangerous for small children. Over the last ten years, thousands of children have been injured by power windows in an automobile. If your automobile has child safety locks on the power windows, be sure to use them at all times.

Even if you don’t smoke, breathing in someone else’s smoke can be deadly too. Secondhand smoke causes about 3,000 deaths from lung cancer and tens of thousands of deaths from heart disease to nonsmoking adults in the United States each year.

No matter what you've heard, read, or seen, not everyone your age is having sex, including oral sex and intercourse. In fact, more than half of all teens choose to wait until they're older to have sex. If you have already had sex but are unsure if you should again, then wait before having sex again.

You may want to look like your
favorite movie star or singer or have the perfect look for Halloween, but
changing the look of your eyes with decorative contact lenses could cause a lot
of damage to your eyesight.

Early childhood caries (commonly called cavities) is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Caries are the result of an infectious disease process that damages tooth structure and makes holes in the teeth. The consequences of early childhood caries are much more than unattractive teeth. Early childhood caries can cause severe pain, speech difficulty, and poor nutrition and can spread to cause serious infections. Treatment for caries can require expensive dental services, and younger children often require general anesthesia and treatment in the operating room.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Toothbrushing time can be a challenge for parents, but a child that ignores proper dental hygiene may face future dental complications. Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day is recommended.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Children with exercise induced asthma (EIA) should take special precautions in order to exercise safely. These children should warm up slowly and pace themselves. Teach your children to monitor their symptoms in order to better know their limits.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many sports-related eye injuries occur in children under the age of 15. Eye protectors can significantly cut down the risk of a sports-related eye injury and should be worn whenever possible.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: The family room is often the center for family fun, but parents should make sure that this room is properly child-proofed. Common house-hold items can pose a serious threat for small children, so make sure that the family room is truly a safe zone for the whole family.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Approximately 5,000 children are born each year with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Many of these children will develop other learning or behaviorial problems. Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should avoid drinking any alcohol to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

If there was a disaster in your area, would your family know what to do? Every family should have a plan. This 4-STEP guide developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips on how to 1) be informed, 2) make a plan, 3) build a kit, and 4) get involved.

Warm, sunny days are wonderful. It's great to exercise outside, and the sun feels good on your skin. But what feels good can harm you and your family. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to keep your family safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Falls are the most serious danger associated with high chairs. Keep this in mind when shopping for a high chair and choose one with a base that is wide enough so that the chair won't tip over easily. Always keep your child strapped in and never leave your child unattended when using a high chair.

Is your house a safe place for your child to live and play? The following safety checklist can help you prevent serious injuries or even death. Though it addresses common safety concerns, it's important to remember that every house is different and no checklist is complete. Because there may be other safety concerns in your house, a more thorough safety check is recommended at least every 6 months.

Over the past 20 years more children are
partici­ pating in organized and recreational athletics. With so many
young athletes playing sports, it's no wonder injuries are common. Half
of all sports medicine injuries in children and teens are from overuse. The
following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about overuse
injuries and injury prevention tips.

Baby teeth are important. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for adult teeth to come in. Also, if tooth decay is not prevented, it can be costly to treat, cause pain, and lead to life-threatening infections.

Imaging and Medical Radiation Safety: Important Information for Parents

Pediatricians use different tests and tools to help them diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. This handout was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to answer questions about imaging and medical radiation safety.

Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication. Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they've received. That's why it's important to turn to a reliable and trusted source, including your child's doctor, for information. The following are answers to common questions parents have about immunizations.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many children like to turn up the volume when listening to music, but this can cause permanent ear damage when doing so with a pair of headphones. If someone else can hear music coming out of your headphones, then the music is too loud.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Inhalant abuse is when children inhale chemicals to get high (huffing). These chemicals can often be found around the house in commonly used products, such as spray paint. Inhalant abuse can be lethal, so warn your child about the dangers of inhalant abuse.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Parental involvement is critical to ensure that internet use is safe and productive. Keep your computer in a central location in the home. Be clear about what kinds of sites are prohibited and tell your child never to reveal personal information online, such as name or location.

Fires and burns cause almost 4,000 deaths and about 20,000 hospitalizations every year. Winter is an especially dangerous time, as space heaters, fireplaces, and candles get more use in the home. It is no surprise that fires in the home are more common between December and February. However, you might be surprised at how easy it is to reduce the risk of fire in your home. Follow these suggestions to help keep your home and family safe from fire all year round.

The power lawn mower is one of the most dangerous tools around the home. Each year, approximately 68,000 persons with injuries caused by power mowers were treated in emergency departments. More than 9,000 of the people hurt were younger than 18 years. Older children and adolescents were most often hurt while cutting lawns as chores or as a way to earn money.

Lead in the body can affect child development and behavior. Lead is a metal that is found in a lot of places. Though you can't usually see it, there are things you can do to prevent your child from being exposed to lead. No safe level of lead has been identified for children. Children are at highest risk because they often put their hands and objects in their mouths, and their growing bodies tend to easily absorb what they eat. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand how lead can be harmful, where it may be found, and what they can do to keep their children safe.

If your family enjoys boating, sailing, canoeing, and using personal watercraft on lakes, rivers, and streams, be sure your children wear the correct life jackets. If you do, they will be able to take part in these activities more safely.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: In recent years, more and more toys are being developed that put to use powerful magnetic pieces. If a child were to swallow these magnets, serious internal damage could result. Be sure to monitor your children when they play with magnetic toys.

Before you decide to have sex or if you are already having sex, you need to know how to stay healthy. Even if you think you know everything you need to know about sex, take a few minutes and read on. Your doctor wants to make sure you know the facts.

Your child is sick or hurt and the first thought on your mind is, “How can I make my child better?” That's natural. No parent wants his or her child to suffer. So how do you decide what medicines to give or treatments to try?

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults. More than 5,500 young people die every year in car crashes and thousands more are injured. Parents can play an important role in reducing these numbers and keeping their teens alive.

Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand the difference between a head injury that needs only a comforting hug and one that requires immediate medical attention.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Exercise is good for your child, but too much exercise can become a strain on their body. If your child ever begins to feel pain while exercising, they should stop their activity immediately rather than work through the pain.

Mosquitoes, biting flies, and tick bites can make children miserable. While most children have only mild reactions to insect bites, some children can become very sick. Some insects carry dangerous germs such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease bacteria, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever bacteria.

As a parent, you know the importance of your teen's social life and that parties are a way to socialize and relax. But an unsupervised or poorly planned party can result in unwanted or even tragic consequences. However, parental responsibility is the key to a fun and safe party.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 16- to 20-year-olds, accounting for about 5,500 fatalities annually and injuring thousands more. A variety of legislative measures—graduated driver licensing (GDL), minimum drinking-age and drunk-driving laws, and improved seat belt laws—are saving teens' lives, but much work remains to be done, particularly in improving the way parents handle the issue of teen driving. Parents are too often unaware of their teens' risky driving habits and while parents do place restrictions on their teens' driving, they are often not the restrictions with proven safety benefits such as prohibitions on nighttime driving and limits on the number of teen passengers.

Each year, about 200,000 children get hurt on playground equipment with injuries serious enough to need treatment in the emergency department. About 15 children die each year from playground injuries. While many of these injuries happen on home equipment, most occur at school and public playgrounds.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Playgrounds can be a great place for children to interact with friends and get exercise. As a parent, you can help to ensure that playgrounds are both fun and safe by making sure the equipment is safe and by teaching proper playground safety to your child.

A swimming pool can be very dangerous for children. If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are older than 5 years. Help protect your children from drowning by doing the following:

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Softball and baseball can be healthy and enjoyable pasttimes for many children, but doctors treat thousands of cases of softball- and baseball-related injuries each year. Certain preventative measures can be taken to decrease the risk of these injuries.

Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. How­ever, most children who come in contact with these things are not perma­nently hurt if they are treated right away.

Protecting Your Baby From Abuse: Important Information About Preventing Brain Injuries in Infants

One of the skills parents and caregivers need to learn is how to deal with stress. This is especially important when there seems to be no end to a baby's crying. Too often, when a parent or caregiver loses control the results can be harmful or deadly.

When a child receives his or her first tricycle or bicycle, a lifelong pattern of vehicle operation is begun. A bike is not just a toy, but a vehicle that is a speedy means of transportation, subject to the same laws as motor vehicles.

Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation

Many infants die during sleep from unsafe sleep environments. Some of these deaths are from entrapment, suffocation, and strangulation. Some infants die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, there are ways for parents to keep their sleeping baby safe.

Because of illness or injury, some children need to receive transfusions of blood and blood products. This procedure may be frightening for parents and their children. Many parents are also concerned about the safety of transfusions. While blood supply in the United States is considered very safe, parents should know a few things about blood transfusions and the safety of blood products for children. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about blood and blood transfusions.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Before your child starts school each year, be sure to go over bus safety rules with them. Urge them to follow bus safety rules both inside and around the outside of the bus to prevent injury.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Those exposed to secondhand smoke are still at a heightened risk for developing lung damage or lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also aggravate children with asthma. If you, or anyone in your family smokes, they should try to quit immediately.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: TV and radio are filled with ads for different children's medications. Before using any of these first consider the source of the information and who is making the claims about the effectiveness of the product. Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician before starting such medications.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many children have suffered injury as a result of poor shopping cart safety. If possible, leave your child in the care of another adult when you go grocery shopping. If you must bring them with you, be sure to follow all safety instructions for carts strictly in order to prevent injury.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: 20% of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases happen while the child is in child care. Make sure your child care provider knows to place your child on their back while sleeping to prevent SIDS.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: This is a reminder to everyone that long term sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. You can lower the risk of developing skin cancer for yourself and for you child by always applying sunscreen and avoiding sunburns.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Some slides are safer than others, and you should keep this in mind when your child is out on the playground. The height of the top of the slide should never exceed 6 feet and slides should sit on a cushioned ground surface to help minimize injury from falls. Always monitor your child closely when they are playing on slides.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: While spring cleaning around the house, parents should make sure that they use non-toxic cleaning solutions, dispose of toxic chemicals or put out of reach of children. Parents should also check in and outside the house for other safety hazards.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: First aid kits are very important to have in the case of emergencies both at home and in the car. First aid kits are available in most drug stores, or you can make your own to fit your child's specific needs.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many people store their medications in the bathroom, which can be the worst place to keep them. Heat and moisture cause medicines to degrade prior to their expiration date. Disposing of medication also requires care so that animals or other people are not able to get to the medication.

The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs is one of the biggest temptations facing young people today. As a parent, you are your child's best protection against drug use. You can start by telling your children that you expect them not to use drugs and become informed yourself about drug use. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help you identify the warning signs of drug use and provides tips on how to help your child (especially during the preteen and teen years) say no to drugs.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Syrup of ipecac is no longer recommonded in cases of poisoning. It is not the best treatment for poisoning and the substance can be misused. The best way to fight poisoning is prevention. Keep poisonous substances away from children at all times.

Children are exposed to sexual messages every day—on TV, on the Internet, in movies, in magazines, and in music. Sex in the media is so common that you might think that teens today already know all they need to about sex. They may even claim to know it all, so sex is something you just don't talk about. Unfortunately, only a small amount of what is seen in the media shows responsible sexual behavior or gives correct information.

Children begin learning about sex and sexuality as soon as they are able to view, listen, and sense the world around them. As your children grow and develop, they may giggle with friends about "private parts," share "dirty" jokes, and look up taboo words in the dictionary. Their curiosity is natural, and children of all ages have questions.

Teens get tattoos or body parts pierced for different reasons. Most teens get a tattoo or body piercing because they like the way it looks or to express themselves. Some get a tattoo or piercing to feel like part of a group. In some states and cities, you need to be 18 or have a parent's permission to get a piercing or tattoo.

Many people think that the only people harmed by tobacco use are smokers who have smoked for a long time. The fact is that tobacco use can be harmful to everyone. This includes unborn babies and people who don’t smoke.

Have your children wear helmets as soon as they start to ride tricycles and if they are a passenger on the back of an adult's bike. If they learn to wear helmets whenever they ride tricycles and bikes, it becomes a habit for a lifetime. It's never too late, however, to get your children into helmets. Allow your child to participate in choosing their helmet. They'll be able to let you know if it is comfortable. And if they like the design, they are more likely to wear it.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: About 83,000 people have been injured on trampolines and it is not advised that children play on trampolines. The only time trampolines should be used is for training programs or certain sports, and then only under the supervision of a trained adult.

If you choose to have a home trampoline, the AAP recommends the following safety precautions: adult supervision at all times, only one jumper on the trampoline at a time, and no somersaults should be performed. Also, trampolines should have adequate protective padding that is in good condition and appropriately placed. All equipment should be checked often and protective padding, the net enclosure, and any other parts should be repaired or replaced when damaged. Parents should check their homeowner's policy and obtain a rider to cover trampoline-related injuries if not included in the basic policy.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Most children are not ready to ride on a tricycle until age 3, but once they start to ride a tricycle make sure it is one that is low to the ground and with large wheels to prevent tipping. Always supervise your child when they are on a tricycle and be sure to have them wear a helmet at all times.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: When purchasing a car safety seat for your child, a new car seat is best. If you buy a seat that is used it can be difficult to tell if the seat has been recalled or has been damaged in a crash. Shop carefully, and never use a seat that is more than 10 years old.

“Over-the-counter” (OTC) means you can buy the medicine without a doctor's prescription. This doesn’t mean that OTCs are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can be dangerous if not taken the right way. Talk with your child's doctor before giving your child any medicine, especially the first time.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: On an average day of television watching, many children are exposed to a number of alcohol and toy commercials, excessive violent acts, and a number of scenes of sexual conduct. Suggest reading a book or going on a walk to your child rather than watching TV. This will reduce their exposure to such content.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: It may be difficult to know when it is appropriate to seek emergency care for your child, but if you have any doubt go ahead and contact your local emergency services team. Be sure to stay calm. Work to prevent future emergencies by making sure that your child's environment is safe and free of injury risks.

It is rare for children to become seriously ill with no warning. Depending on your child's symptoms, you usually should contact your child's pediatrician for advice. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness or injury from getting worse or turning into an emergency.

Learning to walk takes practice. Each child will learn to coordinate and balance at different rates. You can expect some wobbling and falling down at first, but before you know it, your child will be running circles around you.

Environmental dangers are everywhere. Most of these dangers are more harmful to children than adults. However, there are things you can do to reduce your child's contact with them. Read more to learn about how to protect your family from environmental dangers.